Probable 2020 Rays Lineup

The Rays roster looks very deep coming into this potential 2020 campaign. The pitching staff is very strong as usual with Charlie Morton, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell as the leaders of the starting rotation. Cash is most likely going to use a 4-man rotation that will include Yonny Chirinos at the back end. Therefore, the Rays will implement the “opener” for the 5th day. On May 19, 2018, the Rays invented the “opener” when they started relief pitcher, Sergio Romo. Tampa has used this strategy consistently ever since and it has been rather effective for the club. This coming season I think Diego Castillo, Jalen Beeks, and Oliver Drake will have a chance to fill that role from time to time. I also think that Brendan McKay will get called up during the season and make an impact on the mound.

The batting lineup is going to look pretty different from last season. Austin Meadows led off most of the spring training games and he will probably be the everyday leadoff guy and left fielder. Brandon Lowe should be placed in the 2-spot because of his consistent bat and power. He will also most likely be the everyday 2nd baseman. The 3-hole is questionable right now, but Yandy Diaz looks like he will man that place in the lineup at the moment. He will also play 3rd base and DH every now and then. Joey Wendle will take his spot at 3rd when he is the DH. Ji-Man Choi hit in the clean-up spot most of spring training and the Rays should keep him there and have him play 1st base most of the season. Hunter Renfroe will most likely hit in the 5th spot and be the Rays’ everyday right fielder. The 6th spot in the lineup should be manned by the DH. Yoshi Tsutsugo and Jose Martinez will be sharing time at the position, but as of right now it looks like Martinez will get the heavier workload because of his MLB experience. The 7th spot in the lineup should be held by the Rays’ everyday shortstop, Willy Adames. He is poised to have a breakout season and he could possibly move up to 6th in the batting order later in the season. Kevin Kiermaier will probably be in the 8th spot in the lineup. Manuel Margot will share time with him in center field, but Kiermaier will get more time because of his elite defensive skills. Mike Zunino will bat 9th and do most of the catching for the Rays because of his familiarity with the staff. Michael Perez will also get some time behind the plate this upcoming season.